A woman in her fifties has been seriously injured in a suspected stabbing at a Catholic church in the south of Ireland. 

The incident happened around 10am on Tuesday morning during the recitation of the rosary at Holy Cross Church, Tramore, according to RTE. The woman is being treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries in hospital. 

A man in his thirties has been arrested at a nearby house in connection with the incident. 

A statement from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore said it is “deeply shocked” by the “violent incident”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery.

“We wish to commend the courage and presence of mind shown by the parishioners who assisted during this frightening incident. We also thank the priests of the parish for their immediate pastoral care and concern, and we express our sincere gratitude to An Garda Síochána [the police service], the National Ambulance Service and all emergency personnel for their prompt response.

“We ask the people of the Diocese to pray for the injured woman, for everyone affected by this distressing incident, and for the parish community of Holy Cross, Tramore”, the statement added.